“How can you expect Araceli and Soleil to be in peace when your actions would entice a war!”

The expression on Count Rowan’s face was something Akemi hadn't seen the alpha make before. It was a strange phenomenon to see him frustrated to the point of raising his voice and arguing. Usually, Count Rowan is silent or gives his own opinions accompanied by a calm demeanor. To see this side of him is bone-chilling. Yet, Akemi won’t let this tiny fear in him be an obstacle.

“My country’s welfare and my battles are set apart, Count Rowan. And although I would rather avoid bloodshed, do you think I could just stand by and shake hands with a murderer?” Akemi didn’t want it to be like this. If he could steer from the path of unnecessary killing, he would. Yet, to see the man who is responsible for his mother’s death still walking on this earth proved to him that sometimes, it was needed. “Would you be friends with a man who could strike you down at any given moment when you have your back turned on him?”

“Let me.” Lux sighed, gently pushing Count Rowan back, and stood before him. Akemi stubbornly remained still, not backing down nor admitting defeat. There was no way on earth he would sit side by side with King Kharis and be allies. No way. “Akemi, think about it. It would be best for you to be allied with Araceli rather than with Elysium.”

“This conversation is futile, Lux.” Crossing his arms across his chest, Akemi turned his gaze away. “After everything that has happened, I can’t bring myself to be in the same room nor be associated with your king.”

“I understand you’re still hurting… But you can’t deny that the only closest to you who could help your struggle in taking back your throne is Araceli.” Stepping up to Akemi, his blue eyes were solemn. “If you don’t believe me, I’m sure your situation right now speaks for itself. You’re no longer recognized as the heir of Soleil when there is a king on the throne.”

Words Akemi refused to acknowledge rung with truth, and he knew this. The kingdom of Ondine would see King Kosuke as the ruler and wouldn’t listen to an exiled prince. Elysium might do the same. The hope of Ondine still looking up to King Reijiro clung to Akemi due to their alliance for years, yet this hope has dwindled. Especially with how Ondine is loyal to Soleil not only because of King Reijiro but with how Soleil has supported them in their needs and resources. If they truly want to get their goods, then nobody would be surprised that they will listen to whoever sits on the throne. King Reijiro or not.

It's either they listen or get no supply at all.

“I… am aware of that. I, of all people, am aware that the neighboring countries and allies of Soleil wouldn’t listen to a prince who has been kicked out of his kingdom.” As bitter as the truth was, Akemi couldn’t help but laugh monotonously. “An omega prince. Ironic isn’t it? Who would even listen to an omega?”

“But King Kharis will.”

“What makes you so sure?” Akemi snapped, already exhausted. “What makes you believe he will? That he won’t throw me to the wolves for death? That he won’t betray me as he did to my father?”

“Because I know my king, and he will never ignore a man in dire need of assistance,” Lux answered confidently, chin raised slightly in the air. “And I also know that King Kharis never betrayed King Reijiro from the beginning.”

When the war began, multiple tales sprouted out from far and wide on how it all began. Others said that it was because of Queen Evangeline’s death that drove King Reijiro to battle. The rest said that King Kharis didn’t murder the queen and was framed. With different perspectives and stories told, not all is clear. History always sides with the victors, but in this case, no one truly knows what instigated both countries to fight. Neither monarch would tell.

“And I also know my father. He will never lie to me about my mother’s death.” Countered the prince, inhaling sharply. “And I was there when my mother died. Her death wasn’t an accident. If I don’t believe in my father, who will? But I don’t expect you or anyone who only likes to gossip to know what happened that day.”

A wince, ever so faint, made across Lux’s facial features. It was no secret that Lux liked to gossip, evident from his personality from the very beginning. However, he wasn’t expecting to be pointed out like this—and be hurt—by Akemi of all people.

“King Kharis hasn’t said a word, but he told us that he wasn’t the culprit and that King Reijiro is mad with war. He used his wife’s death as an excuse to wage war on Araceli!” Not meaning to raise his voice, Lux cleared his throat before continuing softly. “You may believe in your father’s words, Akemi. But I’ve lived long enough to see people refusing to see the truth even if it were written in front of them. Don’t be blind to what is before you.”

“I believe what my father said.” Not backing down, Akemi firmly pounded a fist on his chest. “And if your king is not guilty of that crime, then why didn’t he say anything to my father that day?”

“I don’t have the answer to that, however, I can assure you King Kharis didn’t kill your mother. He and King Reijiro used to be friends before my king had the thought to ally. To kill your mother is not an act of democracy, but the act of a madman.”

Count Rowan then stepped up, hand around Lux as he spoke. “The truth shall reveal itself one day. Let’s just hope that once it does, whatever their thoughts are, you and your mother’s soul shall know peace.”

“Akemi, I beg you to consider allying with Araceli. You don’t have to rush yourself, just ponder over it.” Lux’s voice was as soft as the pillows Akemi slept on last night, promising a better tomorrow. “To be a good leader, you have to put your personal views aside and focus on what’s best for your country. And maybe one day, you won’t regret having your emotions blind you to your decisions.”

Lips in a hard line, Akemi didn’t have a choice but to nod quietly. It wouldn’t hurt him to think. They were asking for him to kindly reconsider and it would be rude not to do so when they had helped and sheltered him from the harsh world outside. By observing the couple during this sensitive conversation, Akemi has seen their unique sides.

For once, Count Rowan isn’t as meek as he was… and as for Lux, he can be quite reasonable at times.

“All right, I’ll think about it.”

❘༻᯽༺❘

A day passed and Count Rowan figured it was fine for him to come out of the house after the disastrous deed he made the other day. According to him, being cooped up in the room for hours wouldn’t do wonders for his mental health and soul. Lux, who has become busy ever since their talk, hasn’t left his office either. Drowning in paperwork and meeting with important men in the afternoon. Today wasn’t any different.

Passing Lux’s bustling office, the hairs on Akemi’s neck stood in fright when he heard loud arguing inside.

“Do you know how long we have been waiting for you to allow his highness in here?! Do you want me to tell the king that his son, the crown prince, has been staying in a small inn because you haven’t got things ready for his stay!”

Ears quick to pick up information, Akemi halted his steps and stood outside the door, listening intently. The news of the crown prince staying in Lux’s home was new to him.

I didn’t know he was supposed to stay here… how come nobody told me? And Lux could get in trouble—

Suddenly, Akemi felt a twinge of guilt crawling up his heart at the idea of Lux postponing Dion’s stay in his home due to him seeking refuge here in the meantime.

Lux could have just told me. I wouldn’t complain if he wanted me to stay in an inn until Dion leaves.

“I apologize for keeping the crown prince and his entourage waiting. However, I can’t have him stay here when renovations are being made.” Lux’s words held a hint of sadness and pity. Akemi can just picture him bowing his head in apology. “Don’t worry, I’ve ordered my people to clean the guest house near the border. I’m sure his highness would rather stay there than where he can’t get a wink due to how noisy it is.”

Whomever he was speaking to huffed, responding in a vague snobbish tone. “That’ll do. Don’t make us wait any longer or the king shall hear about this. I expect a carriage to be prepared tomorrow for his majesty, the crown prince. Good day to you, Lord Lux.”

Stepping aside, Akemi stayed on the side and watched the men leave. Exuding dominant pheromones enough to make an omega tremble. They were not pleased with their accommodation. Lux emerged from his office, spotting the slightly alarmed prince, chuckling lightly. “You clearly heard all of it, huh?”

“Didn’t mean to, I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right. I just didn’t want Crown Prince Dion to be under the same roof as you. That would be disastrous, who knows what you’ll do.” Wiping the droplets of sweat off his forehead, Lux’s face made a sour look. “It’s so hot here, I swear. During these times, I want to go to Elysium and bury myself in the snow.”

“I’m sorry…” Unable to hide the swelling guilt within, Akemi clasped his hands behind his back as he mumbled. “Because of me, you got an earful from those men.”

Patting Akemi’s shoulder, Lux shook his head softly. “There’s no need to apologize. I’m on my way to the guest house myself to see to the preparations. You can come with me if you want. Rowan has been telling me to take you outside for a walk—with proper supervision of course. We can’t have you trying to kill someone you hate on the streets again.”

A chuckle was his reply. “Y-yeah, we can’t have that now, can we?”

“I’d be furious and I’ll see to it that I’ll be the one to administer a punishment for you.” Lux stuck out his tongue, an unfitting gesture for a thirty-four-year-old man. “Anyways, do you want to come?”

Shaking his head, Akemi laughed. “I’m good… I’d stay indoors for today. I want to think about what you and Count Rowan said yesterday.”

“All right.” Lux shrugged, walking away. “Suit yourself. I must go now. As you’ve heard, Crown Prince Dion is staying there tomorrow.” Immediately he spun around and gave the prince a hard stare. “Don’t get any ideas, okay? Well, it’s a good thing you’re not from around here…”

Watching as the muttering lord went on his way, Akemi hummed to himself, taking a different direction.

Dion is going to stay in Lux’s guest house starting tomorrow. I wonder if it’s far. Since he doesn’t want us to meet and clash again, it must be so.

Akin to black powder to flame, an idea sparked in his mind as the same words echoed in his head.

Dion is staying at Lux’s guest house.

“How far is it?”

Dion is staying at Lux’s guest house.

“Maybe if I follow him today…”

Dion is staying at Lux’s guest house.

“I’ll see that bastard again and…” Voice trailing off, his feet came to a halt, standing outside the dining hall. It was quiet. And the silence contributed to the scheme brewing up on that little smart mind of his. The sunlight that poured into the windows grew faint, clouds blocking its rays. The darkness enveloping Akemi in the hall kept away unsuspecting servants from seeing his face. Images and plans of how he could assassinate the pompous bastard of a crown prince named Dion caused a devious smirk to spread across his lips paired with a low sinister laugh.

Dion is staying at Lux’s guest house... which could also serve as his tomb.